Prior to medical school, Dr. Rider engaged in a career in public health in Latin American countries directing a variety of public health and health education oriented projects, which led him to become fluent in Spanish. Dr. Rider attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. During his time in medical school, Dr. Rider was awarded the Osler Student Scholarship from University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, as well as the Pisacano Scholarship by the American Board of Family Medicine. After completing his medical degree, Dr. Rider held the title of Chief Resident and completed a three-year residency in Family Medicine in Waco.